2nd XI 2008

Back row:  Mike Clinch, Keith Hammond, Jason Hoskins (vc), Matt McKeever, Ozzy, Les Orr

Front row:  Sam Floyd, Matt Reeves, Sam Freemantle, Jake Scott, Dan Millward (wk)

Second XI Captain's Report, 2007 Season

Although selecting completely the wrong players the 2^nd team have had their best ever season. The year started off with a bit of stutter winning two and loosing two of our first four games then going onto only lose one of the final seven games. Much of this was down to a couple of guys who showed their un-doubted quality throughout the whole season. Clinchy falling 15 runs short of achieving 500 runs for the season and big Mac scoring almost 400 runs and taking 25 wickets. I am sure that when they are ready there will always be a first team spot for them.

Bowling has been our strongest point all season. We had Les Orr coming from the 4^th team and being the easiest bowler to captain as you can set a field and he will bowl to it, going at just over 3 an over all season for 13 wickets. Danny O’Connell, down from the 1^st team, backed up Les’s accuracy by doing what he has always done landing the bowl in the right area. We also had a new addition to the team in Jason despite only getting 1 wicket in May he then went on to get 16 wickets in the season. Jason’s most notable performance with the ball was at Bramshaw every bowler went at 5/6 an over whereas he went at under 3 all after telling me he wanted to bowl pace. Robbo has done the job that was asked of him by bowling at the death, full and straight. Shaun and Tom showed that with a bit more experience that they will develop into very good players. Generally the wickets were shared around each game but there was still room for 2 five fors, for big Mac and the skipper.

Batting started off slowly but once the team clicked we hit some big totals. Clinchy hitting a magnificent 140 against Old Basing, Andy Evans hitting 113 against Bramshaw were the two century makers for the season. Clinchy and big Mac regularly passed 50with the most memorable innings from Matt when he hit 70 runs off of just 35 balls against Old Basing. Matt always hit the ball hard but it was always with a straight bat. Danny O weighed in with a quick fire fifty vs Bramshaw after being taunted and called Dulux for his slow batting the previous week. Others weighed in with 30’s/40’s. I challenge these people (including myself), that when they get in, they cash in with match winning scores for next year.

Fielding blew hot and cold. Although being lead excellently by Dan Millward behind the stumps, fielding was not always up to standard. A lot of catches went down but we also took some stunning catches. The ground fielding was generally good, Paul Tosdevin in particular was exceptional when he was at backward point. Maybe we should get together and have a bit of catching practice pre-season.

Many thanks to everyone who has made teas, tidied up and any other jobs that have been done during the season. Thanks to the 4 umpires that I had during this season often having to do both ends for the whole game. Thanks to Lyn for scoring all season for me and Angela for having to score 9/10 for the opposition. Bob and Lyn together deserve special thanks. Bob for all the hard work that he has done in preparing fantastic wickets. These two epitomise how good the support is from non-playing members. They have no real reason to be with us but they just do it for the love of the club.

Also best wishes to Ozzie. What a great servant he has been to the club! Unfortunately for us, he feels that it is time for him to move on. I wish him all the best, thanks for everything bud, even after I had dropped you, still hope that I will see you around.

Cheers for a great season and lets push for County 3 next year.

Bondy 

[Editor's note: after this report was written, the 2nds were promoted to County Division 3 as an 'extra team' following the reorganisation of the Hampshire Cricket League.]